The Kents try to get their land back.

Brothers Elbert and Ned Kent are the forefathers of most African-American Kents from Wilson County’s Lucama area. Both were born enslaved in neighboring Johnston County to Lightfoot Sanders. Elbert Kent’s mother was Angeline Kent. Ned Kent’s possibly was was Angeline Kent, but may have been named Abbie. In 1902, the Kent brothers sued in Johnston County to regain their father’s 19 acres of land.

In short, the Kents alleged that Lightfoot Sanders died in 1887, leaving widow Wealthy Sanders and two sons (Wealthy’s stepsons) Elbert and Ned Kent. After Wealthy Sanders died, the Kent brothers took possession of the land and rented it out. In 1898, Harrison and Henrietta Avera took control of the property. (See the complaint below.)

The Averas responded that Lightfoot and Wealthy Sanders had bought the land together in November 1871 from J.B. Dunn; that Wealthy worked and contributed to the purchase; and that the parties intended for the deed to be made in the name of both Sanderses. However, by accident, it was made out to Lightfoot Sanders only. Wealthy Sanders executed a will in February 1896 leaving the 19 acres to her daughter (the Kent brothers’ stepsister) Henrietta Avera.

A judge found that the Kents and Henrietta Avera (and her husband) each owned one-half the property and ordered it sold and the proceeds to be divided. Henrietta Avera was to receive the 1903 rents from the property and pay the 1903 taxes. The land sold at auction on 30 January 1904 for $180.

——

North Carolina, Johnston County

In the Superior Court, Feb Term 1903

Elbert Kent and Ned Kent
vs
Harrison Avera and Henrietta Avera

Complaint

The plaintiffs complaining of the defendants allege:

I. That Lightfoot Sanders, dec’d, was at and before his death seized in fee simple of the following described land and premises:

Beginning on a stake standing on North side of Sander’s Branch in Bettie Burnette’s line and runs with her line N 3 E. 65 poles to a stake her corner; thence as her line N 88 W 54 poles to a stake Jno. W. Pool’s corner, thence his line S 3 W 52 poles to a large ditch, thence as the ditch N 75 E 10 poles, thence N 62 E 16 poles, thence S 70 E 10 poles, thence S 83 E 12 poles, thence 150 E 5 poles to the beginning point containing (19) acres. See Registry of Johnston Co., Book E. No 3 – page 354 and said Lightfoot Sanders was at the time of his death in possession of said land and premises.

II. That when said Lightfoot Sanders died, he left surviving him a widow Wealthy Sanders who lived upon and occupied the land described in paragraph I of this complaint as his widow during her lifetime.

III. That upon the death of said widow Wealthy Sanders these plaintiffs entered upon said land took possession of said land and premises and rented same to Quinnie[?].

IV. That on or about 28th day of Jan. 1887 Lightfoot Sanders died intestate leaving surviving the plaintiffs his only children and heirs at law.

V. That on or about Jan. 1st 1898 the defendants entered into possession and are now in possession of said land and premises without leave of the plaintiffs or any right or title thereto and do now unlawfully withhold possession thereof from the plaintiffs.

Wherefore plaintiffs demand judgment:

1st. That plaintiffs recover possession of the land and premises

2nd. For the sum of Fifty Dollars as rents for detaining and withholding said land and premises from the owners

3rd. For such other and further relief as plaintiffs are entitled to

4th. For the cost of this action.

E.S. Abell and Wellon & Morgan Attys for Plaintiffs

Elbert Kent one of the plaintiffs being duly sworn says that the facts set forth in the foregoing complaint are true of his own knowledge except as to those matters therein stated upon information and belief and as to those matters he believes it to be true.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this Feb. 16th 1903   Elbert (X) Kent
W.S. Stevens C.S.C.

——

  • Lightfoot Sanders

In an 1863 assessment of enslaved property directed by North Carolina’s Confederate government, Lightfoot, age 46, appears in a list of people enslaved by Ashley Sanders, Avera’s district, Johnston County.

In 1866, Lightfoot Sanders and Welthy Sanders registered their 11-year cohabitation with a Johnston County clerk of court.

In the 1870 census of Smithfield township, Johnston County: Lightfoot Sanders, 54, farmer; wife Weltha, 50; and Jack Tomlinson, 75, pauper.

In the 1880 census of Smithfield township, Johnston County: Lightfoot Sanders, 65, farmer, and wife Wealthy, 70.

  • Elbert Kent

On 1 November 1868, Elbert Kent, son of Lightfoot Sanders and Angeline Kent, married Rebecer Kent, daughter of Rebecer Creach, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farm laborer Elbert Kent, 25; wife Rebecca, 23; and Mary, 1.

In the 1880 census of Beulah township, Johnston County: laborer Elbert Kent, 36; wife Rebecca, 29; and children Mary, 10, Rufus, 9, Saraha, 7, Flourens 6, Martha M., 4, and Pharrow, 1.

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Elbert Kent, 55, widower, and children Joseph, 18, Albert, 15, Bettie, 8, Rebecca, 7, and Isaiah, 4; plus daughter Martha Barnes, 23, widow, and her children Rebecca, 4, and Joseph, 2.

  • Ned Kent

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 25, wife Liddy, 24, and children Isaac, 4, Cassanda, 3, and Jane, 2.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 46, wife Lydia, 43, and children Cassanda, 22, Gennie, 18, George, 17, Roscoe, 15, Frederick, 13, Charley, 11, Clara A., 10, Bud, 8, Louisa, 6, Narcissa, 4, Percy, 2, and Franklin, 1.

In the 1910 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: on the path leading to Raleigh Road, farmer Ned Kent, 56, wife Liddie, 51, and children Casandy, 32, Charley, 21, Clara, 20, James W., 18, Louisa, 16, Narcissus, 14, Percy, 12, Franklin, 10, and Ada, 7.

In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 59, wife Liddie, 58, children Frank, 20, and Ada, 18, and grandson Willie, 1.

In the 1930 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 71; wife Liddie C., 69; son Percy, 32; and grandchildren Percy C., 9, Leda F., 8; David N., 5, and Willie, 12. Ned’s farm was valued at $4500.

In the 1940 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 74, wife Liddie, 83, and grandsons Willie, 21, Carnell, 19, and Daniel, 16.

Ned Kent died 22 July 1940 in Springhill township. Per his death certificate, he was 85 years; was married to Lydia Kent, 84; was a farmer; and was born in Johnston County to Elbert Sanders [sic] and Abbie Sanders of Johnston County. He was buried at the home place; Earnest Hinnant was informant.

The heirs of Harriet W. Barnes, part 2.

As promised, this follow-up to the extraordinary referee’s report recommending distribution of Harriet Barnes’ estate provides information about her family and others mentioned in the document.

——

  • mother Edna Bynum or Wilkinson

I have found no independent documentation of Edna Bynum’s life, but see the entries for her daughters Harriet and Mary, below.

  • enslaver Elizabeth “Betsie” Bynum and Robert E. Bynum

This is puzzling. The referee’s report states that Edna Bynum was enslaved by Elizabeth “Betsie” Bynum “or her husband,” but Betsie Bynum never married, and, also contrary to the referee’s report, Robert E. Bynum was not her son. He was the son of Joseph J. Bynum and Betsie Bynum’s sister Susan Bynum Bynum.

The Morning Post (Raleigh, N.C.), 23 December 1903.

  • Harriet Wilkinson Barnes

I had assumed that Wilkinson (or Wilkerson) was the surname of Harriet Barnes’ previous husband, and she shared her siblings’ Bynum name. However, her death certificate lists her and her parents’ surname as Wilkins, and her sister Mary’s marriage license lists her maiden name as Wilkinson. See below.

On 3 November 1903, Hattie Wilkins, 51, of Wilson, married Austin Barnes, 54, of Edgcombe County, son of James and E. Sharp, in Wilson. Primitive Baptist elder Jonah Williams performed the ceremony in the presence of E.L. Reid, B.F. Barnes, and Louis Pitt.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: brickyard laborer Austin Barnes, 60; wife Harriett, 60, laundress; and grandson Frank, 10.

Harriett Barnes died 18 November 1916 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 62 years old; was born in Wilson County to Sam Wilkins and Edna Wilkins; was married; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Austin Barnes was informant.

  • husband Austin Barnes

In the 1908, 1912, and 1916 Wilson city directories, Austin Barnes is listed as a laborer at 631 E Green

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: brickyard laborer Austin Barnes, 60; wife Harriett, 60, laundress; and grandson Frank, 10.

  • the lot on Green Street

Harriet Barnes bought her lot on Green Street on 15 January 1894 from George D. Green and wife and S.H. Vick and wife Annie M. Washington Vick. As noted in the referee’s report, the land was described as “that certain lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Town of Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, on the eastern extension of Green Street adjoining the lands of Owen Bess (in 1894) and others, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at a stake in the corner of Green and Elba Streets; thence with said Green Street 50 feet East; thence South 70 yards; thence West 50 feet to Elba Street; then with Elba Street 70 yards to the beginning, containing one-fourth of an acre, more or less, and being the same lot of land conveyed by George D. Green and others to Harriet Wilkerson (at the time of her death Harriet Barnes), by deed recorded in Book 35, page 429, Wilson County Registry, to which deed reference is made for a more definite description.”

Harriet Barnes’ Green Street property was numbered 631, then 702. The legal description is a little odd, as Elba Street ends in a T at Green Street, and this property is across Green from the opening of Elba. The house, which Harriet Barnes likely built, is still standing and in decent shape, but boarded up. Pushing its construction date back several years from 1913 makes it one of the oldest houses in East Wilson historic district.

Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C., showing 702 East Green Street, formerly 631.

  • buyer George H. Edmundson and parents Jerry and Zillie Barnes Edmundson

In 1872, Jerry Edmundson married Zillah Barnes in Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: Jerry Edmundson, 25, farmer; wife Zilla, 22; and sons Bunk, 6, and Mordecia, 3.

In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Jerry Edmundson, 52; wife Zilla, 47; and son Mordica, 21.

On 11 July 1901, George H. Edmundson, porter, born 10 April 1877 in North Carolina, married Maggie Colbert, born 20 April 1877 in Virginia, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Jerry Edmundson, 59, and wife Zilla, 53.

In the 1910 census of Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York: servants Maggie Edmundson, 35, born in Virginia, and George Edmundson, 36, born in North Carolina.

In the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Edmundson George H porter Oettinger’s h 544 E Nash

In 1918, George Howard Edmundson registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 April 1876; lived at 631 East Green Street; worked as a porter for Oettinger Department Store, Wilson; and his contact was Maggie V. Edmundson.

In the 1920 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: farmer Geo. H. Edmundson, 43, and wife Maggie, 42. Also, farmer Jerry Edmundson, 68, and wife Zella, 63.

Jerry Edmundson died 3 February 1927 in Micro township, Johnston County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 1848 in Wayne County to Jerry Edmundson and Mahala Ruffin; was a widower; was a farmer; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] G.H. Edmundson, Micro, was informant.

In March 1927, G.H. Edmundson applied for letters of administration for the estate of Jerry Edmundson in Johnston County, N.C. The younger man was the sole heir and estimated his father’s estate at $3000.

In the 1940 census of Micro township, Johnson County: farm propietor George Edmunson, 64, and wife Maggie, 55.

Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory (1947).

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Edmundson Geo H (c; Maggie) h 702 Green

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 702 Green, George Edmundson, 73, and wife Maggie, 72.

George Howard Edmundson died 9 May 1950 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 April 1876 in Wayne County to Jerry Edmundson and Zilla [no maiden name]; lived at 702 East Green Street; worked in farming; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery. Maggie Edmundson was informant.

Maggie V. Edmundson died 2 June 1966 in Staunton, Virginia. Per her death certificate, she was 89 years old; was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to Brown Colbert and Mary Louisa Bush; was retired; and was the widow of George Edmundson.

  • witness George Bynum of Saratoga, Wilson County

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer George Bynum, 32; wife Feribee, 24; children Blunt, 8, Mary, 4, and Mariah, 1; Charlotte Lewis, 20, and Thomas Lewis, 9 months.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 43; wife Aggie, 40; and children Blunt, 19, Mary, 16, Mariar, 12, and Joshua G.W., 3.

On 30 July 1890, George Bynum, 52, of Saratoga township, married Allie Bynum, 48, of Saratoga township, in Saratoga. Rev. Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of J.H. Bynum, Andrew Eason, and Pate Bynum.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 65; wife Ally, 63; and son Joshua, 23.

In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 82, widower, and daughter Mariah, 50.

Mary Eason died 17 October 1939 at Nathan Duncan’s in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1867 in Wilson County to George Bynum and Farbia Ward; and was the widow of Jarry Eason.

  • brother Louis Bynum

In 1866, Lewis Bynum and Delia Bynum registered their cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

On 9 August 1877, Lewis Bynum, 40, married Jane Bynum, 40, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.

  • nephew Lawrence Bynum

On 30 January 1878, Lawrence Bynum, 23, married Edney Bynum, 16, in Wilson County. Lydia Bynum, James Ellis, and Millie Corbett were witnesses.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer Larence Bynum, 24; wife Edney, 19; children James, 1, and Mary J., 1 month; mother-in-law Liddie, 55; brother Isac, 22, and sister-in-law Anna, 17.

In the 1900 census of Richwoods township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: Lawrence Bynum, 55; wife Edna, 39; children Ed, 25, Mary, 19, Charlie, 17, Hattie, 16, Rachel, 9, Lewis, 6, Cora, 3, and Lawrence, 11 months; grandsons Mack and Romie Notsie(?), 3 months; and son-in-law Ed Notsie(?), 25, farm laborer.

  • niece Rennie Bynum Farmer

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.

On 9 March 1882, Robert Farmer, 19, married Marinda Bynum, 18, in the Town of Stantonsburg. Scott Bynum, Ben Thompson, and George Culis were witnesses to the ceremony.

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

Estella Farmer died 29 June 1916 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 November 1900 in Greene County to Robert Farmer and Rennie Bynum. Informant was John Edwards.

  • niece Nealy Farmer Edwards

On 12 February 1900, John Edwards, 25, of Wilson County, son of Sampson and Annie Edwards, married Nelie Farmer, 17, of Greene County, daughter of Robert and Rennie Farmer, in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. A.M.E. Zion minister W.W. Lewis performed the ceremony in the presence of John Forte, Maggie Farmer, and Alice Barnes.

In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Ruffin Bridge Road, farmer John Edwards, 35; wife Neelie, 28; children Martha A., 9, Mary, 7, Julia, 6, John H., 5, and Joseph, 2; sister-in-law Ida Artis, 24; and nieces Amelia, 5, Salena, 2, and Rennie Artis, 2 months.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg & Saratoga Road, John Edward, 45; wife Mela, 37; and children Mary, 17, Julie, 16, John H., 14, Jasper, 12, Essie M., 6, and Annie B., 3.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer John Edwards, 49; wife Neel, 46; children John H., 27, Joe, 22, Essie M., 14, Annie B., 12, and Mamie L., 7; and grandchild Phil, 7; daughter-in-law Carrie, 22; and uncle Sampson Edwards, 87.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer John Edwards, 64; wife Nealie, 57; children John Jr., 34, Essie Mae, 25, Annibelle, 23, Mamie Lee, 17, and Fredie Lee, 1; and grandchildren Hattie Mae, 7, James M., 5, Elbert Lee, 3, and Lucinda Ellis, 2.

Nealie Edwards died 3 April 1966 in Stantonsburg, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 December 1894 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Rennie Farmer; and was buried at Bethel Cemetery.

  • witness/nephew-in-law John Edwards

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Samson Edwards, 26; wife Annie, 33; and children Martha, 19, Thomas, 11, Octavious, 8, and John, 5; and Jake Bickers(?), 40, stepson [sic], farm worker.

On 12 February 1900, John Edwards, 25, of Wilson County, son of Sampson and Annie Edwards, married Nelie Farmer, 17, of Greene County, daughter of Robert and Rennie Farmer, in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. A.M.E. Zion minister W.W. Lewis performed the ceremony in the presence of John Forte, Maggie Farmer, and Alice Barnes.

In 1918, John Henry Edwards registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 January 1875; lived in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County; farmed for B.J. Thompson; and his nearest relative was Nealy Edwards.

John Henry Edwards died 19 April 1942 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 January 1883 in Wilson County to Samson Edwards and Annie [no maiden name]; was married to Nealie Edwards; was a farmer; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. John Edwards Jr. was informant.

  • niece Maggie Farmer Barnes

Referred to as Maggie Farmer Brown in the referee’s report.

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

On 29 December 1905, Cornelius Barnes, 29, of Stantonsburg township, son of Richard and Quilla Barnes, married Maggie Farmer, 22, of Stantonsburg township, daughter of Robt. and R. Farmer, near Moyton, N.C.

In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Melia Barnes, 33; wife Maggie, 27; and children Clarance, 6, and Cellie, 3.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Nela Barnes, 43; wife Maggie, 35; children Sallie, 13, and Clarance, 16; and nieces and nephews Lauretta, 17, Walter, 16, Edna, 10, Quillie, 8, and Susana Barnes, 5.

In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Neal Farmer, 55; wife Maggie, 45; and children Mary S., 16, and Quillie, 18.

In the 1940 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Cornelius Barnes, 64; wife Maggie, 55; daughter Sallie, 33; nephew Frank Ellis, 29; and grandchildren Herman Bowden, 12, and Thelma, 9, Corana, 8, William, 5, Josephine, 4, and Dorothy Taylor, 3.

Maggie Barnes died 31 January 1962 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 28 September 1883 to Robert Farmer and “Corene (?) Farmer”; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Clarence Barnes was informant.

Clarence Barnes died 9 July 1964 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1900 in Wilson County to Cornelious Barnes and Maggie Farmer; was married to Mary Ann Barnes; lived in Black Creek township; and was a farmer.

  • niece Ida Farmer Hall

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

On 23 April 1905, Thomas Hall, 21, of Stantonshurg township, son of William Hall and Sarah Jane Artis, married Ida Farmer, 18, of Stantonsburg township, daughter of Robert Farmer and Rena Farmer.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Tom Hall, 45; wife Ida, 42; children Salena, 22, Louise, 18, Sarah, 16, Beatrice, 14, Tom Jr., 12, Hubert, 10, William, 8, Nathaniel, 6, Geraldine, 4, and James, 2; grandchildren Jimmy, 3, and Kate Artis, 1; and lodgers John Harris, 19, and Ned Ellis, 86, widower.

In the 1940 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer Tom Hall, 55; wife Ida, 53; and children Thomas, 22, Hubert, 19, William E., 17, Nathaniel, 15, James, 11, Trumiler, 8, and Helen Grace, 7.

  • niece Katie Farmer Hall

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

On 8 January 1908, Robert Hall, 21, of Stantonsburg, son of Bill Hall and Lucy Hall, married Katie Farmer, 20, of Stantonsburg, daughter of Robert Farmer and Renie Farmer, at the home of Nealy Barnes in Stantonsburg, Wilson County. Witnesses were George Farmer, Nealy Barnes, and Susan Farmer.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: tenant farmer Robert Hall, 33; wife Katie, 29; and children Earnest, 11, William H., 5, Lorenzie, 3, and Robert, 2.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Hall, 43; wife Katie, 40; and children Ernest, 21, William, 15, Rennie, 13, Robert Jr., 11, Louis, 10, Mary S., 6, John L., 4, and Curtis, 1 month; and daughter-in-law Arneta [Ometa], 20.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Hall, 50; wife Katie, 50; and children Sue, 16, John Lee, 14, Curtis, 10, James, 6, and grandchildren Ruth, 8, and Edgar C., 5.

Katie Farmer Hall died 8 September 1947 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 March 1896 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Fannie [sic] Bynum; was married to Robert Hall; and worked in farming. She was buried in Bethel cemetery.

  • niece Hattie Farmer Wynn

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

On 15 November 1909, Woodard Winn, 30, married Hattie Farmer, 18, in Goldsboro, Wayne County, N.C.

In the 1920 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer Woodard Winn, 40; wife Hattie, 25; and children George, 15, Lafayette, 9, Octavious, 8, Mittie, 6, Geneva, 4, and Maggie, 2.

In the 1930 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer Woodard Wynn Sr., 52; wife Hattie, 38; and children Lafayette, 19, Armettie, 17, Geneva, 15, Maggie, 13, Samuel, 7, Woodard, 6, Eva M., 3, Sallie, 2, and Essie, 8 months.

Hattie Smith died 11 December 1965 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 26 May 1892 to Robert Farmer and Rennie Bynum; was married to Needam Smith; lived in Dudley; and was buried in Augusta Cemetery, Dudley.

  • nephew Robert Farmer

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

In 1917, Robert Farmer registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 5 April 1894 in Stantonsburg, N.C.; worked for a telephone lineman for Dr. H.H. Powell; and was single.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Robert Farmer, 29, oil mill laborer; wife Margritt, 25; mother-in-law Mary Andrews, 58; and sister-in-law Arlina Andrews, 14.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 301 Lane Street, rented for $12/month, Rob Farmer, 36, express office laborer, and daughter Sarah, 15.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Robert Farmer, 48, railroad station porter, and cousin Robert Barnes, 35, fertilizer plant truck driver.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 715 Roberson Street, Robert Farmer, 58, A.C.L. R.R. porter.

Robert Farmer Jr. died 26 January 1960 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 April 1893 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Corine Bynum; lived at 715 Roberson Street, Wilson; was a widower; was a laborer for A.C.L. R.R.; was a World War I veteran; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Sarah Lee Farmer was informant.

  • niece Bessie Farmer Brown

In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.

  • nephew George Bynum of Mount Olive, Wayne County

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

On 16 January 1879, George Bynum, 21, married Stella Bynum, 16, at Lawrence Bynum’s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer George Bynum, 23; wife Stella, 21; daughter Maggie L., 5 months; and sister-in-law Fannie Bynum, 17, laborer.

In the 1900 census of Grantham township, Wayne County: farmer George W. Bynum, 41; wife Stella, 37; and children Hubbard, 18, William, 15, John, 12, Mary Ann, 10, and Edney, 9.

In the 1910 census of Grantham township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 50; wife Stella, 48; and daughter Edna, 17.

In the 1920 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 60; wife Stella, 58; and [grand]children Sadie, 8, and Guther, 6.

Mary Hobbs died 13 December 1928 in Grantham township, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 3 August 1888 in Wayne County to George Bynum and Stella Bynum; was married to Robert Hobbs; and was buried in Saint Delight cemetery.

In the 1930 census of Wolfscrape township, Duplin County: farmer George Bynum, 70; daughter Edna Wade, 30, and grandchildren Sadie, 18, Gurthie L., 16, Lathan E., 14, Stella, 8, and Estella, 2 months.

In the 1940 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 80; wife Mary, 36; and daughter Mary Lee, 10.

George Washington Bynum died 29 July 1945 in Mount Olive, Wayne County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 January 1863 in Wilson County to Louis Bynum and Dicie [no maiden name]; was married to Mary Bynum; lived on Sawdust Avenue, Mount Olive; was a farmer; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery, Mount Olive.

  • niece Isabella Bynum Best

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General Best, 31; wife Isabella, 33; and children Minnie, 10, Lewis, 7, Estella, 5, and Willie, 5 months.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General C. Best, 41; wife Isabella, 42; children James L., 16, Estelle, 13, Horace, 10, Willie, 9, Claudia, 7, and John W., 4; and lodger Walter Bynum, 23.

In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General Best, 52; wife Isabella, 53; and children Sudie, 8, and John, 11.

In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: cook Isabela Best, 63; daughter Sudie Harper, 19; [grand]son Earnest L., 1; and son-in-law Lee Harper, 22.

Isabella Best died 30 September 1933 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 November 1866 in Wilson County to Lewis Bynum and Adelia Bynum; was married to General C. Best; and worked as a cook.

  • niece Ida [Ada] Bynum Aycock

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

On 24 March 1877, Peter Aycock, 23, married Adia Bynum, 18, at Lew Bynum’s residence in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: Peter Aycock, 25, farmer; wife Ada, 20; and daughter Adelia, 1.

On 22 February 1899, Ed Durham, 21, of Wayne County, son of Bill and Mary Durham, married Delia Aycock, 21, of Wilson County, daughter of Peter and Ada Aycock, at Jennie [Jessie?] Bynum’s in Saratoga, Wilson County. Geneva L. Best, Peter Bynum, and David Barnes were witnesses.

Delia Durham died 7 August 1978 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 22 July 1885 in Wilson County to Peter Aycock and Ada Bynum; lived in Mount Olive, Wayne County; was a widow; and was buried in Mount Olive Cemetery. Ada Hunter, Mount Olive, was informant.

  • niece Teda Bynum Bynum

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.

  • nephew Scott Bynum

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.

Perhaps, in the 1898 Albany, N.Y., city directory: Bynum Scott, waiter, h 19 Chapel

Perhaps, in the 1900 census of Albany, Albany County, New York: waiter Scott Bynum, 37, born in North Carolina; wife Annie, 26, born in Pennsylvania; and daughter Marion A., 2, born in New York. [However, this family is described as white in the 1920 federal census and 1925 New York state census.]

  • brother Arnold Bynum
  • brother Isaac Bynum
  • witness/cousin Calvin Bynum, son of Moses Bynum

In 1866, Moses Bynum and Olive Smith registered their 18-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

On 25 December 1869, Calvin Bynum, son of Moses and Olif Bynum, married Phereby Daniel, daughter of Ellic and Harriet Daniel, in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 31; wife Pherabe, 28; and children Olive, 9, Fannie, 7, Martha Ann, 5, Joseph, 2, and Benjamin, 3 months.

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 53; wife Phariba, 48; and sons Joseph, 22, Benjamin, 21, and David, 16.

In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 64; wife Faribee, 63; and son David, 26.

In the 1920 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: Calvin Bynum, 78, and wife Pharabeeh, 56.

  • brother Ben Bynum, wife Charlotte Scott, and children Riley, George, W. Randall, Ida, Lina, and Mary Jane Bynum

In 1866, Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Scott registered their cohabitation in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Richland township, Beaufort County, N.C.: farmer Benj. Bynum, 43; wife Charlotte, 38; and children George, 21, John, 14, Lina, 12, Riley, 9, Randall, 7, Ida, 5, and Wilsey, 2.

On 4 February 1884, George Bynum, 24, married Barbara Mourning, 18, in Richland township, Beaufort County.

On 9 December 1886, John Bynum, 20, married Della Gaylord, 21, in Broad Creek, Beaufort County.

On 27 February 1890, Charlotte Bynum, 55, married Moses Jones, 60, in Beaufort County.

Per the U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index 1936-2007, found at http://www.ancestry.com, William Randolph Bynum, son of Ben Bynum and Charlotte Scott, was born 2 May 1890 in Aurora, N.C. [Randall Bynum was actually born about 1872.]

On 15 January 1891, Lena Bynum, 20, married W.H. Hammonds, 21, in Richland, Beaufort County.

On 14 October 1897, Riley Bynum, 25, married Martha Moore, 18, in Idalia, Beaufort County.

In the 1900 census of Idalia township, Beaufort County, N.C.: widow Charlott Bynum, 60, farmer, and children Wryley, 38, Ida, 27, Carrie, 13, Joe, 10, Alonzo, 6, Denis, 4, Charlott, 3, and Ran, 28.

Per Findagrave.com, Charlotte Bynum was buried in Idalia Cemetery, Beaufort County. Per her headstone, she was born 22 June 1841, died 22 June 1907, and was the wife of Ben Bynum.

John Bynum died 27 May 1928 in Richland, Beaufort County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was about 62 years old; was born in Wayne County, N.C., to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte [maiden name unknown]; was married to Della Bynum; worked as a farmhand; and was buried near Aurora, N.C. Ida McKinnon of Wilson was informant.

Ida Bynum died 15 December 1932 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 49 years old; was born in Beaufort County to Charlotte [no maiden name]; was a widow; worked as a cook; lived at 104 Pender Street; and was buried in Royal, N.C. Dennis Bynum of Wilson was informant.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 314 Pender, owned and valued at $1600, Dennis Bynum, 47, fish dealer; wife Marion, 42, servant; lodgers Mary Pitt, 24, servant, and Ida May Carr, 30, servant; and aunt Mary B. Jackson, 65, widow.

Mary Jean Jackson died 4 September 1941 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 67 years old; was born in Lucama, Wilson County, to Ben Bynum and Charoletta Scott; lived at 648 Wiggins Street; was the widow of Will Jackson; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

Lina White died 29 December 1941 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 1887 in Wilson County to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Bynum; and was the widow of Edward White. Dennis Bynum was informant.

William Bynum Jr. [sic] died 11 November 1950 at his home at 706 Roberson Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 18 June 1880 in Beaufort County to William Bynum [sic] and Charolette Bynum; worked as a laborer; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery, Wilson. Dennis Bynum was informant.

George Bynum died 20 November 1954 in Richland, Beaufort County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 March 1875 in Wilson County to Charlotte Hams; was married; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Ardelia Cemetery, Aurora. Jessie Bynum was informant.

Dennis Bynum died 5 November 1960 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 May 1894 in Beaufort County to Ida Bynum; was married to Marian Bynum; lived at 314 Pender Street; worked as a merchant; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery in Wilson.

William Riley Bynum died 14 March 1961 in New Bern, Craven County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 July 1881 in Aurora, N.C., to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Ham; was a widower; and was a retired laborer. Emma Koonce was informant.

  • brother George Bynum
  • sister Sylvia Bynum Best, son Benjamin Best and his children, especially Clarence Best

Benjamin Best, 22, married Liza Ellis, 18, on 22 October 1874 at the residence of James Ellis in Wilson County. James Ellis, Gilford Ellis, and Aaron Ward were witnesses.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, farmer Benjamin Best, 26; wife Eliza, 23; and children Virginia, 4, Priscilla, 3, and Columbus, 1.

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, wife Eliza, and children Virgin N., Mildred, Junius, Sopremia, Benjamin, Corinthia, Remantha, Olian, and Clarence. Benjamin and Eliza reported having been married 25 years, and Eliza reported that 10 of the 12 children she had borne were living.

In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: widow Eliza Best, 53, with children Junius, 29, Rematha, 20, Allen, 18, and Clarence, 16, plus grandchildren Suprema, 5, and Martha A., 3.

On 24 January 1917, Clarence Best, 22, of Wilson township, son of Benjamin and Eliza Best, and Geneva Smith, 22, of Gardners township, daughter of Henry and Mahala Smith, were married in Gardners township by C.H. Hagans, a Primitive Baptist minister. Fred Woodard, John Barnes and Len Woodard witnessed.

Clarence Best registered for the World War I draft on 5 June 1917. He reported that he was born 22 October 1894 in Wayne County, North Carolina; that he resided at RFD #4, Box 4, Wilson; and that he worked as a stone rubber at Wilson Marble Mantle & Tile Company. He claimed that he supported his wife and his mother and her two grandchildren. He was described as medium height and build, with brown eyes and black hair.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Saratoga Road, marble cutter Clarence Best, 26, wife Geneva, 26, and son Clarence H., 1, plus Eliza Best, 68, Martha Ann Best, 11, and Suprema Hooks, 11. Next door, Junius Best, 38, wagon factory assembly man, wife Mary A., 27, and children Mary Olivia, 2, and Colonius, 4 months.

Eliza Best died 1 September 1929 in Wilson of “injury of rt. leg; cut her leg on a piece of tin.” She resided at 1310 East Nash Street, Wilson, and was the widow of Benjamin Best. She was about 64 years old and had been born in Wilson County to Jim Ellis and Zannie Applewhite. She was buried in Rountree cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 203 East Nash Street, marble works polisher Clearance Best, 37, wife Geneva, 37, and son Clearance, 11. Nearby: wagon factory laborer Junious Best, 47, wife Mary, 39, and children Mary, 12, Colanelus, 11, Mattie, 7, and Rematha, 2.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: marble dresser Clarence Best, 46, wife Geneva, 46, and son Clarence H. Best, 21, tobacco stemmer, plus nephew Frank Brake, 14.

In 1943, Clarence Herman Best registered for the World War II draft. He reported his home address as 1306 East Nash Street, Wilson; his date of birth as 3 October 1918; and his closest relative as Clarence Benjamin Best, his father. His employer was Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Genevia Smith Best died 23 September 1969 in Wilson. Per her death certificate , she was born 19 August 1896 to William Henry Smith and Martha (last name unknown.) She was buried at Rest Haven cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.

Clarence B. Best died 18 November 1980 in Wilson. The double headstone he had created after his wife’s burial — with extra pointy 9’s, a cross, and a slighty too-long epitaph — awaited his death date as a final entry. When the time came, it was, of course, incised perfectly by machine.

  • also, Sylvia Bynum Best’s children Lou Ellis and Cora Deans

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lue Ellis, 55, and children Alvenia, 14, Jim, 14, Oscar, 12, and Lue, 1 month.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow; her children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagins, 5, granddaughter; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39, lodger.

Lue Ellis died 17 April 1933 in Stantonsburg, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was 60 years old; was born in Wilson County John Gray and Sylvia Best Gray; and was the widow of Oscar Ellis.

  • sister Chanie Bynum Mitchell and her children Fannie and John Mitchell

Perhaps: in the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow; her children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagins, 5, granddaughter; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39, lodger.

  • sister Mary Bynum Dupree Bynum and sons Ben and Sam Dupree

On 28 June 1869, Hilliard Dupree, son of John and Rhoda Dupree, married Mary Wilkinson, daughter of Samuel Gorham and Edney Wilkinson, in Belvoir township, Pitt County.

In the 1870 census of California township, Pitt County, N.C.: farmhand Hilliard Dupree, 28; wife Mary, 27; and children Ann, 8, and Sam, 2.

On 17 February 1892, Samuel Dupree, 23, of Saratoga township, son of Hilliard and Mary Dupree, married Mary Eliza Ellis, 23, daughter of Guilford and Pleasant Ellis, at Ed Owens’ farm. Baptist minister Thomas J. Moore performed the ceremony, and Blount Best was one of the witnesses.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: day laborer Samuel Dupree, 26; wife Mary, 25; and children Charley, 7, Budie, 5, and Sissie, 8 months.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Wiggins Mill Road, farm laborer Samuel Dupree, 43; wife Mary, 35; and children Charlie, 16, Eddie, 15, Mary, 10, Samuel, 7, Minnie B., 5, Sallie, 2, and Maggie, 11 months.

Charlie Dupree died 6 January 1916 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 22 years old; was the son of Sam Dupree and Mary Eliza Ellis; lived at 655 Viola; and worked as a janitor. Ed Dupree was informant.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 525 Church Street, laborer Eddie Dupree, 24; wife Bettie, 20; son Weldon, 11 months; brother Sam, 14, and sister Maggie, 10.

Where did they go?: Illinois death certificates, part 1.

These death certificates suggest that most pre-Great Migration migrants from Wilson County to Chicago had spent a decade or two in Lower Mississippi Valley states.

——

  • Nathan Fields

Nathan Fields died 7 June 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was 63 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Nathan Fields Sr.; worked as laborer; and was buried in Wilson.

——

In the 1920 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 3857 State Street, Fountain Thurman, 51, apartment janitor, and roomer Nathan P. Fields, 53, packing company laborer.

  • Samuel Ellis

Samuel Ellis died 19 December 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was about 67 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Wisdom Ellis; was married to Nancy; and worked as a junker.

——

On 4 February 1888, Wisdom Ellis, 46, son of Strickmore and Jane Ellis, married Mima Fields, 47, daughter of Rachel Fields, at Wisdom Ellis’ house in Wilson. Free Will Baptist minister Solomon Arrington performed the ceremony.

In the 1940 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 4104 Wabash, Samuel Ellis, 64, born in N.C.; wife Nancy, 42, born in Mississippi; and three lodgers.

  • Babe James

Babe James died 16 March 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was 49 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Berry James; was married to Annie; and worked as a building wrecker.

——

In the 1930 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 1619 Ashland, owned and valued at $4000, Babe James, 45, born in S.C.; wife Annie, 39, born in Georgia; and children Lurenda, 15, and John, 13, both born in Florida.

  • Ida James

Ida James died 2 August 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was 37 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Ned and Beedee Scarborough of Wilson; was married to Henry; and was a housewife.

——

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Ned Scarborough, 23; wife Obedience, 18; and children Rufus, 3, and Ida, 1.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer Ned Scarboro, 35; wife Bedie, 27; and children Rufus, 14, Lida, 11, Jinnie, 8, Polly, 6, Martha, 3, and Penny, 1.

  • Arthur Tart

Arthur Tart died 17 December 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 29 June 1891 in Wilson, N.C., to John Tart of Wilson, N.C.; and was married to Carneelia.

——

In the 1917, Arthur Tart registered for the World War I draft in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Per her registration card, he was born 29 July 1892 in Wilson, N.C.; lived in DeQuincy, Louisiana; worked as a brakeman for Gulf Coast Line R.R.; and had a wife and child.

In the 1920 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 2558 Park Avenue, Arthur Tart, 28, car shop laborer, born in N.C.; wife Cornelia, 30, sewing, born in Mississippi; and daughter Genieve, 8, born in Mississippi.

Lucile Tart was born 17 September 1921 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, to Arthur Tart, born about 1891, and Cornelia Tart, born about 1890.

Vivian Arthur May Tart was born 23 November 1922 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, to Arthur Tart, born 1889 in Wilson, N.C., and Cornelia Campbell, born 1889 in Jackson, Mississippi.

In the 1930 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 2713 Fulton Street, widow Cornelia Tart, 40, and children Geneva, 18, Lucile, 8, Vivian, 7, Arthur, 5, David, 4, and Beatric, 1. The five younger children were born in Illinois.

  • Jessie Taylor

Jessie Taylor died 15 August 1939 in Bremen township, Cook County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 30 September 1903 in Wilson, N.C., to a father whose last name was Taylor and a mother whose last name was Bailey; and was the widow of a Taylor.

  • Mary Minor

Mary Minor died 4 June 1943 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born about 1875 in Wilson, N.C., to Louis Barnes; and was the widow of Mose Minor.

——

On 27 April 1897, Mary Lester, 24, married Moses Minor, 27, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas.

In the 1900 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: fisherman Moses Minor, 33; wife Mary, 28; and son Isom, 7 months.

Pine Bluff Daily Graphic, 13 May 1904.

In the 1920 census of Kimbrough township, Lincoln County, Arkansas: farmer Mose Minor, 55; wife Mary, 48; and children Roberta, 15, Rosa, 10, Mose Jr., 13, and Joseph, 9. All were born in Arkansas except Mary, who was born in North Carolina.

Illinois Deaths and Sillbirths Index 1916-1947, http://www.ancestry.com.

Where we worked: 1949.

In 1949, Charlotte, North Carolina,’s Hollywood Film Company produced a 32-minute promotional film touting Wilson’s businesses, churches, schools, and neighborhoods. Predictably, not a single African-American person or place was mentioned, much less featured, though the town’s population was about 40% Black. This is the kind of erasure that will have you thinking your people never contributed, never built institutions, never thrived. Black people, however, can be glimpsed throughout the film, hard at work. Below, a few stills, starting with a scarfed African-American woman crossing Nash Street at Goldsboro Street, the courthouse and Confederate monument visible behind her. The other images depict tobacco warehouse and factory laborers, a laundry worker, and a bakery worker. The film also showed men working in a lumber yard and a concrete pipe manufacturer. Do you recognize anyone?

My thanks to the late Steve Brown for a DVD copy of this film.

1208 Washington Street.

The two hundred-third in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District (which erroneously assigns the house number 1206): “ca. 1930; 1 story; Clifton Hardy house; bungalow with gable-end form; decorative vent; hip-roofed porch; Hardy was a barber.”

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Hardy Clifton (c; Della) barber h 1208 Washington. Also: Hardy Caroline (c) h 1208 Washington

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: 1208 Washington, barber Clifton Hardy, 36; wife Bella [sic], 33, cook; and mother Caroline, 65.

Caroline Hardy died 6 October 1938 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 56 years old; was born in Greene County, N.C., to Jacob Best and Lucy Sheppard; and was buried in Wilson. Clifton Hardy was informant.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: 1208 Washington, barber Clifton Hardy, 54; wife Della, 54, house cleaner; and lodger Lucille Joyner, 24, teacher-grammar department.

Clifton Hardy died 1 January 1968 in Durham, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 February 1893 in Greene County, N.C., to Bill Hardy and Carolina Hardy; was married to Della Hardy; worked as a barber; lived at 1208 Washington Street; and was buried in Masonic Cemetery.

D.C. Suggs’ Savannah.

Beginning in 1891, Daniel C. Suggs served as a professor and vice-president of Savannah’s Georgia State Industrial Institute for more than 20 years. These photos, taken circa 1890-1893, show some of the campus as he would have known it, and he was likely among the men and women standing on the steps of the building in the second image.

Georgia State Industrial College, Artwork of Savannah, Special Collections at Lane Library (Armstrong), Georgia Southern University, digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu

204 South Powell Street.

This house lies a block beyond the border of the East Wilson Historic District on a lot carved from land once owned by Oliver and Willie Mae Hendley Freeman.

Per Wilson city tax records, the house was built about 1925.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Howard T J (c; Lula) lab h 204 Powell

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Powell Street, rented at $12/month, odd jobs laborer Frank Sanders, 53; wife Sallie, 49; son Nathan, 20, odd jobs laborer, and daughter-in-law Nelly, 19.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Sanders Frank (c; Sallie) lab h 204 Powell; Sanders Nathan (c; Nealy) lab h 204 Powell

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Tillman Deal (c; Julia) porter h 204 Powell

Deal Tilghman died 29 December 1941 at his home at 204 Powell Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 25 July 1892 in High Point, N.C.; was married to Julia Tilghman; and worked as a laborer. He was buried in Rest Haven cemetery.

On 2 May 1944, Preston and Pauline Ward purchased the house from Alex and Lena McMillan, which was located on lots 5 and 6 of Block A of the Freeman plat map, for $200. See deed book 290, page 237.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Murchison Mack (c) waiter h 204 Powell

Wilson Daily Times, 26 June 1948.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, February 2025.

Funeral Program Friday: Rosemary Fitts Funderburg.

——

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1007 Washington Street, Howdard Fitts, 37, and wife Courtney, 36, both teachers, with children Howdard Jr., 8, and Rosemary, 6.

In the 1949 Durham, N.C., city directory: Fitts Rosemary case wkr Family Serv r1611 Fville

In the 1950 Durham, N.C., city directory: Fitts Rosemary P case wkr Family Serv r809 Fville

On 3 June 1950, Ilon Owen Funderburg, 25, of Durham, son of Dr. F.D. Funderburg and Ethel Westmoreland Funderburg, married Rosemary Fitts, 26, of Durham and Wilson, daughter of Howard M. Fitts and Courtney Plummer Fitts, at Saint Alphonsus Church, Wilson.

Atlanta Funeral Programs Collection, Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History, digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu

Where did they go?: Washington, D.C., death certificates.

Washington, D.C., was a popular destination for eastern North Carolina migrants. These death certificates primarily record deaths of African-Americans who left Wilson County before the Great Migration.

  • William Anderson Pridgeon

William Anderson Pridgeon died 26 June 1896 in Washington, D.C., at 73 H Street N.E. Per his death certificate, he was ten months old; colored; born in Wilson, North Carolina; had lived in Washington, D.C., for two weeks; and both his parents were born in North Carolina.

  • George Barnes

George Barnes died 17 November 1906 in Washington, D.C., at Washington Asylum Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was 30 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C. to parents born in Wilson; was married; and worked as a laborer.

  • Eva Vailes

Eva Vailes died 4 March 1918 in Washington, D.C., at 1116 Minnesota Avenue, N.E. Per her death certificate, she was 4 years, 2 months, 3 days old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to parents born in Wayne County and Wilson County, N.C.; and had lived in Washington for 18 months.

  • James H. Ellis

James H. Ellis died 17 March 1919 in Washington, D.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 April 1869 in Wilson, N.C., to Bob Ellis; was married to Emma Ellis; lived at 1331 You Street, N.W.; worked as a barber; and was buried in Harmony Cemetery. Mother-in-law Mollie Huff was informant.

In the 1915 Washington, D.C., city directory: Ellis Jas H barber 901 U St h 905 U St

  • Sarah Best Young

Sarah Young died 25 February 1923 in Washington, D.C. Per her death certificate, she was 28 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Daniel Best; lived at 1027 Fourth Street, N.W.; was married to Henry Young; had lived in D.C. two years; and was buried in Wilson, N.C. [probably, in Vick Cemetery.]

  • Joe Perry

Joe Perry died 23 April 1924 in Washington, D.C., at Freedmen’s Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1905 in Wilson, N.C., to Edward Perry and Nancy Smith; worked as a elevator operator; was single; had lived in D.C. 19 years; and was removed to the Anatomical Board.

  • Alexander Moore

Alexander Moore died 18 February 1930 in Washington, D.C., in Freedmen’s Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was 42 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Lawrence Moore and Vina [no maiden name]; lived in Fairmount Heights, Maryland; was a widower; was an ex-soldier; and was buried in Baltimore, Maryland. Informant was sister Delia Moore, Baltimore.

On 23 January 1873, Lawrence Moore, 30, married Vina Moore, 25, in Wilson County. “Col’d minister” London Johnson performed the ceremony.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Lawrence Moore, 38; wife Viny, 25; and children Lee, 16, Nellie, 13, Esther and Delah Ann, 10, John, 7, David, 5, and Austin, 2.

In the 1900 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Lawrence Moore, 50, widower, and children Branie, 20, Joseph, 12, Alexandrie, 8, and Charlie, 6.

On 5 July 1913, Delia Moore, 30, born in North Carolina to Lawrence and Venie Moore, married Amos D. Moore, 31, born in North Carolina to Anthony and Mary Moore, in Danville, Virginia.

Washington, District of Columbia, Death Certificates 1874-1931, http://www.ancestry.com

Georgia Burke in “Mamba’s Daughters.”

Actors Ethel Waters, Georgia Burke, and Fredi Washington in “Mamba’s Daughters” at Philadelphia’s Locust Street Theatre in February 1940. Georgia native Burke was among the eleven African-American teachers who walked out of Wilson Colored Graded School to protest the abuse by school principal J.D. Reid and superintendent Charles L. Coon.

Photo courtesy of George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, Temple University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.